Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Vehicle Suspension (Winter/Spring 2027)

InternHunt; Palo Alto, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & vision

401(k) & stock programs

Paid holidays

Sick leave & vacation

Job summary

Tesla seeks an Embedded Software Engineer Intern for Winter/Spring 2027 on the Chassis Systems team. You will develop embedded code that controls suspension and damping actuators using vehicle sensors, writing safe, efficient firmware for real hardware.

You will work with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers, perform hardware bring-up and testing, and influence software architecture and PCB decisions. Applicants should be pursuing CS/CE/EE/Mechatronics with May 2027–May 2028 graduation and be able to work

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechatronic Systems.
• Graduation date between May 2027 and May 2028.
• Strong C skills and familiarity with Python and RTOS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment.
• Specify, design, and implement functionality of embedded subsystems.
• Design firmware architecture on hardware through integration and testing.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to meet dynamic targets.
• Hands-on hardware bring-up, debugging and code optimization.
• Develop unit and component tests to ensure proper functionality.
• Make trade-offs to meet product requirements.

Skills

C

Python

RTOS development

Embedded software

Hardware bring-up

Education

Bachelor in CS/CE/EE/Mechatronics

Job description

Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Vehicle Suspension (Winter/Spring 2027)

2026-09-30

Role Description

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

About the Team:

As an Embedded Software Developer on the Chassis Systems team, you will deliver high-quality embedded code that controls suspension and damping actuators using vehicle sensors, directly influencing ride, handling, and overall vehicle dynamics—including longitudinal, vertical, and lateral behavior. These systems keep the vehicle composed and passengers comfortable while ensuring optimal tire contact and stability so the autonomy stack can execute its trajectory with precision.

You will write efficient, safe, and robust code that runs on real hardware platforms in the hands of millions of people. You will integrate sensors and motor controls, implement safety mechanisms on embedded targets, and solve complex problems spanning vehicle dynamics, motor controls, safety systems, and embedded software engineering. You will also drive design decisions on vehicle electrical architecture, microcontroller selection, software architecture, and PCB design. Join an industry-defining software team whose work is essential to making autonomous vehicles a reality

What You'll Do

• Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
• Specify, design, and implement functionality and behaviors of embedded subsystems
• Design the software architecture and firmware implementation on hardware through integration and testing
• Work with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure sensing, actuation, and controls implementation can deliver the desired vehicle dynamics attributes
• Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization
• Develop unit and component level tests to ensure proper functionality
• Make performance and optimization trade-offs to meet product requirements

What You'll Bring

• Pursing a degree Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Systems, with a graduation date between May 2027 – May 2028
• Proficiency in C, comprehension of Python
• Fluent in software fundamentals, including software design and maintainability
• Experience with real-time operating system development
• Experience with embedded microprocessor tools
• Experience with testing, debugging, and working directly with hardware
• Experience with controls software and algorithm development
• Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals including circuit analysis and design
• Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Employee discounts and perks program

Expected Compensation

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affligative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.